tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62186475135213943172017-08-11T11:19:11.847-04:00Southern PeonyGrowing peonies in the heat and humidity of the south! Learn about peony blooms, cleanup, disease, experiments, foliage, insects, planting, seeds.Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.comBlogger547125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-13036676619586110062017-06-16T07:18:00.002-04:002017-06-16T07:18:35.058-04:002017 American Peony Society Convention Tour of Plant Delights Nursery & Juniper Level Botanic Garden<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqt2O78IHpk/WUO0D_X6_II/AAAAAAAAHNk/nLIlZSoMqsg-EhaggoVz9KVk9VQ9swSbQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqt2O78IHpk/WUO0D_X6_II/AAAAAAAAHNk/nLIlZSoMqsg-EhaggoVz9KVk9VQ9swSbQCLcBGAs/s400/20170602_0342.JPG" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a><br>Tony Avent Leading the American Peony Society Tour<br>of Plant Delights Nursery</center><br> Everyone seemed to enjoy the witty antics and educational tour given by Plant Delights Nursery owner, Tony Avent. He showed off all kinds of rare plant hardier than their "normal" growing zones and told us about his current mission - to continue to find and spread rare plants far and wide for the people for prosperity for the earth's own genetic biodiversity. He also shared with us about his plans to end his nursery business within 10 years, while he's set up a fund that he would like to build up between now and then so that the Juniper Level Botanic Garden will be fully self funded and continue into perpetuity for all future generations to enjoy, share in, and learn from. <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vUBx5nU1fY/WUOz1zt30AI/AAAAAAAAHNg/MmVXTtKYhGEOaCCbKPiOUrX4PVx_RB7WgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0373%2BCanna%2BLilies%2Bon%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BPlant%2BDelights%2BNursery.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9vUBx5nU1fY/WUOz1zt30AI/AAAAAAAAHNg/MmVXTtKYhGEOaCCbKPiOUrX4PVx_RB7WgCLcBGAs/s400/20170602_0373%2BCanna%2BLilies%2Bon%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BPlant%2BDelights%2BNursery.JPG" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a><br>Canna Lilies at Plant Delights Nursery<br><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuOa9nKOry8/WUOz0ZWUesI/AAAAAAAAHNY/GdDk0Ym8T6MdY6oTpq15OAny0Qw9LiLQwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0374%2BPurple%2BFlower%2Bon%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BPlant%2BDelights%2BNursery.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuOa9nKOry8/WUOz0ZWUesI/AAAAAAAAHNY/GdDk0Ym8T6MdY6oTpq15OAny0Qw9LiLQwCLcBGAs/s400/20170602_0374%2BPurple%2BFlower%2Bon%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BPlant%2BDelights%2BNursery.JPG" width="267" height="400" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br>Purple Flower at Plant Delights Nursery<br><br><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZt6dKjdqi8/WUOz1GwYWsI/AAAAAAAAHNc/c2hQH5yyU3Ig9vmTuyhf6KFBrX0t6pcIACLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0379%2Bs%2BCentury%2BPlant%2Bon%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BPlant%2BDelights%2BNursery.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZt6dKjdqi8/WUOz1GwYWsI/AAAAAAAAHNc/c2hQH5yyU3Ig9vmTuyhf6KFBrX0t6pcIACLcBGAs/s400/20170602_0379%2Bs%2BCentury%2BPlant%2Bon%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BPlant%2BDelights%2BNursery.JPG" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a><br>Century Plant at Plant Delights Nursery</center><br>Tony also shared with us about his mission of busting gardening myths. Growing daylilies beside hostas (sun and shade) and acidic plants near basic ones. He likes to try to grow plants outside of their normal USDA growing zones. He shared with us that the Juniper Level Botanic Garden does not use any fertilizers whatsoever - that their focus is on the preparation of the soil, which is 50% local dirt (mostly sand where he lives) and 50% compost that is made on site. <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHGZFt4F0x4/WUO2fWpBCQI/AAAAAAAAHNo/PUfxooQz2MkBQsEvtdtKN4NjOsve9WezACLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0384%2BTony%2BAvent%2BConcluding%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BJuniper%2BLevel%2BBotanic%2BGarden.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHGZFt4F0x4/WUO2fWpBCQI/AAAAAAAAHNo/PUfxooQz2MkBQsEvtdtKN4NjOsve9WezACLcBGAs/s400/20170602_0384%2BTony%2BAvent%2BConcluding%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BTour%2Bof%2BJuniper%2BLevel%2BBotanic%2BGarden.JPG" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a><br>Tony Concludes the American Peony Society Tour<br>of Juniper Level Botanic Garden</center><br>Tony also boasted that Juniper Level Botanic Garden is in the top %5 of gardens worldwide in terms of biodiversity, which is really impressive. (However I think he really want to be #1). :-) The garden includes over 22,000 taxa of plant life. After our tour, we all took a break in the shade and enjoyed our local NC Barbeque lunch with vinegar-based pulled pork barbeque, fried chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, and hush puppies. All in all, I think this might have been our best garden tour this year.<br> <center><table><tr valign=bottom><td valign=bottom><center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Me7OqnT9w/WUO3IgSgySI/AAAAAAAAHNw/0S7bwHBYjaguDdALcJ2TWL-cfi2KJW8FgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Me7OqnT9w/WUO3IgSgySI/AAAAAAAAHNw/0S7bwHBYjaguDdALcJ2TWL-cfi2KJW8FgCLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0385.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td><td><center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxidqSoRTXo/WUO3IkeluEI/AAAAAAAAHNs/HcdQpzeP6XEFmuM3h9q690eyPVl7ZM12ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxidqSoRTXo/WUO3IkeluEI/AAAAAAAAHNs/HcdQpzeP6XEFmuM3h9q690eyPVl7ZM12ACLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0386.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td></tr><tr><td align=top><center>Daniel, Sheryl, Anna, Richard, John, & Adrienne</center></td><td><center>Me & Tony Avent</center></td></tr><tr><td><center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz8ECg014WQ/WUO3LCI5jPI/AAAAAAAAHN0/l94aWsc6U3oGqkxLhcudVw1R9eRkF-xagCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz8ECg014WQ/WUO3LCI5jPI/AAAAAAAAHN0/l94aWsc6U3oGqkxLhcudVw1R9eRkF-xagCLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0388.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td><td><center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGgWfyMP7wU/WUO3TDE0LRI/AAAAAAAAHN8/BEsSO2b1-rUGY5gPeSGqZ-U1KQm_lsSbQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGgWfyMP7wU/WUO3TDE0LRI/AAAAAAAAHN8/BEsSO2b1-rUGY5gPeSGqZ-U1KQm_lsSbQCLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0395.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td></tr><tr><td><center>Nate, David, & Jim</center></td><td><center>Joyce, Jennifer, & Jeff</center></td></tr><tr><td><center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECA30309_uw/WUO3RVbMyII/AAAAAAAAHN4/jiERfi_ANvkpWAnqQauOPYsl_lycbVQLwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECA30309_uw/WUO3RVbMyII/AAAAAAAAHN4/jiERfi_ANvkpWAnqQauOPYsl_lycbVQLwCLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0401.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td><td><center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktJs4PriRb0/WUO3ZIv4CsI/AAAAAAAAHOA/u1JMwdzY20wcPfzWH9SxOzxFLmwhOsF1wCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktJs4PriRb0/WUO3ZIv4CsI/AAAAAAAAHOA/u1JMwdzY20wcPfzWH9SxOzxFLmwhOsF1wCLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0403.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td></tr><tr><td><center>Eileen & Don</center></td><td><center>Louise, Kathleen, & Marie</center></td></tr><tr><td><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGuuYsVimzg/WUO3b6Ir-pI/AAAAAAAAHOI/b98DKDmE52gbEMUG_EA-yJPEqzaHWg3AgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGuuYsVimzg/WUO3b6Ir-pI/AAAAAAAAHOI/b98DKDmE52gbEMUG_EA-yJPEqzaHWg3AgCLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0404.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td><td><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X8TwmxTAj0/WUO3boI-zEI/AAAAAAAAHOE/4lGe-_GMuPsPTsjizUzY2qppr7A0bRZKwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170602_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X8TwmxTAj0/WUO3boI-zEI/AAAAAAAAHOE/4lGe-_GMuPsPTsjizUzY2qppr7A0bRZKwCLcBGAs/s200/20170602_0407.JPG" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td></tr><tr><td><center>Piet, Vriends, Lia, & Dick</center></td><td><center>Carolyn (My Grandma) & Me</center></td></tr></table></center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-41841192765098366342017-06-08T23:19:00.000-04:002017-06-13T06:20:49.524-04:002017 American Peony Society Convention Tour of JC Raulston Arboretum<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>Our tour bus dropped us off right at the new archway entrance for the JC Raulston Arboretum, a stainless steel archway with Japanese Maple leaves scattered throughout, giving it the effect of a sky of silver stars. Mark Weathington, Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum greeted our group at their Visitors Center, not far from the arched entrance. We toured their Scree and Xeric Gardens, Asian Valley - which did include some tree peonies, traditional Japanese Gardens - one of my favorites, Lath House, Plantsmen's Woods - which contained the bulk of the peonies donated by the American Peony Society. We also toured their Rose Garden which is now mixed with other perennials and their White Garden. Mark mentioned that they have over 6000 species of plants on just 10 acres. So if you'd like to see all kinds of plants in a more condensed setting, JC Raulston Arboretum is the place to find them all! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V05GXKQd-Ic/WT5zghlon7I/AAAAAAAAHMw/1SLxVL4ois83InKESnipQshDQwiwbxY7gCLcB/s1600/20170601_150128.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V05GXKQd-Ic/WT5zghlon7I/AAAAAAAAHMw/1SLxVL4ois83InKESnipQshDQwiwbxY7gCLcB/s400/20170601_150128.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a><br>Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum,<br>Greets us at their Visitor Center</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-48915679822957181472017-06-08T21:34:00.000-04:002017-06-11T06:36:24.459-04:002017 American Peony Society Convention Tour of Duke Chapel<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGPzjXDVDbE/WTvY3dP8y1I/AAAAAAAAHMg/0DE1u7fQO6wGD4G8KK4fXDC6f4BW6kkFwCLcB/s1600/20170601_140929.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGPzjXDVDbE/WTvY3dP8y1I/AAAAAAAAHMg/0DE1u7fQO6wGD4G8KK4fXDC6f4BW6kkFwCLcB/s600/20170601_140929.jpg" width="300" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br>Duke Chapel on Duke University Campus</center><br>I had been to Duke Chapel before, but I had never learned as much as I did when I toured it with the American Peony Society. When we first arrived, we had a bit of free time where we were allowed to walk freely around the chapel. People admired the architecture, the stained glass windows, and the fresh flowers. Eventually people started settling into the pews at the front of the chapel, and our tour guide, a current member of the chapel's choir, met us there and gave us a great talk. We learned about the 4 organs in the chapel, how they were cleaned and restored, the chapel building and its architecture and materials (stone at the bottom and a terra cotta like tile at the top), what the chapel is used for today - a interdenominational Christian church. There are no members, just participants, and although it looks like a Cathedral, it cannot be called one since it is not affiliated with the Catholic church and uses no religious hierarchy. <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NzB1YdlFRk/WTvY0w_-IAI/AAAAAAAAHMY/43C8OMMiTRYPagW7R80yqmUG6iKoie_TQCLcB/s1600/20170601_132845.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8NzB1YdlFRk/WTvY0w_-IAI/AAAAAAAAHMY/43C8OMMiTRYPagW7R80yqmUG6iKoie_TQCLcB/s400/20170601_132845.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a><br>APS Members Listening to Tour Guide's Talk</center><br>We also learned about the gorgeous stained glass windows in the chapel, how the windows' color is not painted but infused into the glass, giving it its richness. Each window is unique, and the larger windows placed higher in the chapel have figures from the Old Testament of the Bible, while the smaller windows placed nearer to the ground level have scenes from the New Testament of the Bible. He also mentioned that the original window drawings and plans were burned when the artists attempted to put their own initials into some of the windows. However in the 1980s a grad student of the University was granted permission to install temporary scaffolding to document each window photographically and created a book about the windows. <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XABDT2acct0/WTvY3MaTlDI/AAAAAAAAHMc/aExPCZ3T1RcjcQwMSDA_97ukzMDkz7eoQCLcB/s1600/20170601_132500.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XABDT2acct0/WTvY3MaTlDI/AAAAAAAAHMc/aExPCZ3T1RcjcQwMSDA_97ukzMDkz7eoQCLcB/s600/20170601_132500.jpg" width="300" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br>Stained Glass Windows in Duke Chapel</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-91933315478159006792017-06-08T19:14:00.000-04:002017-06-10T07:23:55.470-04:002017 American Peony Society Convention Tour of Duke Gardens<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAtCee3NVpE/WTvO_n4E39I/AAAAAAAAHMI/xTEh4WR526wVhe5RE5Mn7wplS_E_bXOFACLcB/s1600/20170601_122015%2B%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour%2BGroup%2BPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAtCee3NVpE/WTvO_n4E39I/AAAAAAAAHMI/xTEh4WR526wVhe5RE5Mn7wplS_E_bXOFACLcB/s400/20170601_122015%2B%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour%2BGroup%2BPhoto.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a><br>American Peony Society Group Photo at Duke Gardens</center><br>The next morning of the APS Convention Tour, we boarded the bus at 8am for our first day of garden tours. When we arrived at Duke Gardens, we were met and greeted by the Director of Horticulture for Duke Gardens, Bobby Mottern. He spoke to us in their Angle Amphitheater overlooking their Peace Pond. Then our group was divided into four smaller groups each with a guide to take us through the gardens. Our group visited the White Garden, Fern Grotto, Learning Center, Moss Garden, Peony Collection, Arched Bridge, Japanese Garden, and finally the Terrace Overlook. The view was amazing! <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sw8OXWDglo/WTvO7bgZjQI/AAAAAAAAHME/sHw1AmDpGq0ZL_xkr9upADC_UbQeLbl7wCLcB/s1600/20170601_101938%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sw8OXWDglo/WTvO7bgZjQI/AAAAAAAAHME/sHw1AmDpGq0ZL_xkr9upADC_UbQeLbl7wCLcB/s400/20170601_101938%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a><br>Our Tour Group Visiting the Doris Duke Gardens</center><br><center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJMbhmf7DiQ/WTvO5i0Y2YI/AAAAAAAAHMA/lQvjfoOZ_74bBqLXnLkC8WIPsaQDv0v7QCLcB/s1600/20170601_104707%2B%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour%2BLinette%2BPhotographing%2BJapanese%2BIris.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJMbhmf7DiQ/WTvO5i0Y2YI/AAAAAAAAHMA/lQvjfoOZ_74bBqLXnLkC8WIPsaQDv0v7QCLcB/s400/20170601_104707%2B%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour%2BLinette%2BPhotographing%2BJapanese%2BIris.jpg" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br>Linette Photographing the Japanese Iris</center><br>After our tour we met the rest of our American Peony Society group on South Lawn for lunch. We enjoyed delicious boxed lunches with turkey, ham, or roast beef sandwhiches with chips, pasta salad, a pickle, and of course a chocolate chip cookie! During our lunch break I had an opportunity to look at and walk inside of the Patrick Dougherty sculpture on the South Lawn. This art installation was made with natural materials, mostly wood branches that had been shaped and formed into this huge group of sculptures, which resembled a wooden Stonehenge. Overall it was a nice tour, with good (although a bit warm) weather! <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSsy531RieI/WTvO2sX-6wI/AAAAAAAAHL8/qUb3nQCHEB4dLR4gbnguSK7VZAhYTaK3QCLcB/s1600/20170601_115856%2B%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour%2BDon%2BHollingsworth%2Band%2BPiet%2BWierstra.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSsy531RieI/WTvO2sX-6wI/AAAAAAAAHL8/qUb3nQCHEB4dLR4gbnguSK7VZAhYTaK3QCLcB/s400/20170601_115856%2B%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvnetion%2BDuke%2BGardens%2BTour%2BDon%2BHollingsworth%2Band%2BPiet%2BWierstra.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a><br>Don Hollingsworth and Piet Enjoying their Lunch Break</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-80790730703227074592017-06-07T19:07:00.000-04:002017-06-08T17:07:44.971-04:002017 American Peony Society Convention Picnic at Pullen Park<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJsKrH0RK2Y/WTm47VeHw7I/AAAAAAAAHLM/hDBL278iZMUJQlx5vyfA7S-ImuHw577rACLcB/s1600/20170531_0511%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJsKrH0RK2Y/WTm47VeHw7I/AAAAAAAAHLM/hDBL278iZMUJQlx5vyfA7S-ImuHw577rACLcB/s400/20170531_0511%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a><br>American Peony Society Picnic at Pullen Park</center><br>The welcome picnic for the American Peony Society's 2017 Convention was held at North Carolina's first (and best) public park, Pullen Park. Peony friends met in the Round Pavilion Picnic Shelter for a nice spaghetti dinner with salad, garlic bread, and iced tea. It was nice to see old peony friends and meet some new ones. It was also nice to have Virginia Tech students and staff represented there who are researching successfully storing and extending the life of peony cut flowers. Convention attendees were able to pick up their convention registration materials in their APS bags. All in all the picnic was a nice start to the 2017 American Peony Society Convention! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDhbljzbeYE/WTm46pDqNuI/AAAAAAAAHLI/Umd_8HkfZDI7eSTHhfr8sRpGo8Tb7kpKQCLcB/s1600/20170531_0518%2BMike%2B%2526%2BBecky%2BKoster%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDhbljzbeYE/WTm46pDqNuI/AAAAAAAAHLI/Umd_8HkfZDI7eSTHhfr8sRpGo8Tb7kpKQCLcB/s400/20170531_0518%2BMike%2B%2526%2BBecky%2BKoster%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" width="267" height="400" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br>Mike & Becky<br>American Peony Society Picnic at Pullen Park</center><br> <center><table><tr><td><center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KikzJYzYN70/WTm46hys7EI/AAAAAAAAHLE/I0XVVbpyNREn4xGN9mcuPj_8emWbkTuXACLcB/s1600/20170531_0528%2BLia%2B%2526%2BDick%2BWestland%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KikzJYzYN70/WTm46hys7EI/AAAAAAAAHLE/I0XVVbpyNREn4xGN9mcuPj_8emWbkTuXACLcB/s225/20170531_0528%2BLia%2B%2526%2BDick%2BWestland%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" width="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td><td><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agBV4IByjJQ/WTm5KYZPOCI/AAAAAAAAHLQ/UWjYk3ltarEC9a2BVZ-8j4d5zCfY-t_jwCLcB/s1600/20170531_0530%2BJim%2BSampson%2B%2526%2BRobert%2BRice%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agBV4IByjJQ/WTm5KYZPOCI/AAAAAAAAHLQ/UWjYk3ltarEC9a2BVZ-8j4d5zCfY-t_jwCLcB/s225/20170531_0530%2BJim%2BSampson%2B%2526%2BRobert%2BRice%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" width="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td></tr><tr><td><center>Lia & Dick</center></td><td><center>Jim & Robert</center></td></tr><tr><td><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TmLJyvQcaA/WTm5P0Toq7I/AAAAAAAAHLU/qEucCV3LwkM3KS9JBWg_uEV5_gsr2NZIwCLcB/s1600/20170531_0534%2BVirginia%2BTech%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TmLJyvQcaA/WTm5P0Toq7I/AAAAAAAAHLU/qEucCV3LwkM3KS9JBWg_uEV5_gsr2NZIwCLcB/s225/20170531_0534%2BVirginia%2BTech%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" width="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td><td><center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZD3DnID1rU/WTm5P1094eI/AAAAAAAAHLY/_yRGRFvLiY0YUXg13ezE9aSlob13XowdQCLcB/s1600/20170531_0538%2BIsabella%252C%2BMaddox%2B%2526%2BAdriana%2Bat%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZD3DnID1rU/WTm5P1094eI/AAAAAAAAHLY/_yRGRFvLiY0YUXg13ezE9aSlob13XowdQCLcB/s225/20170531_0538%2BIsabella%252C%2BMaddox%2B%2526%2BAdriana%2Bat%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BPicnic%2Bat%2BPullen%2BPark%2Bin%2BRaleigh%2BNC.JPG" width="225" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></center></td></tr><tr><td><center>Virginia Techies<br>Daniel, Joyce, & Rachel</center></td><td><center>Isabella, Maddox, & Adriana</center></td></tr></table></center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-6114908732016245702017-05-30T23:43:00.000-04:002017-05-31T13:43:52.712-04:002017 American Peony Society Convention Preparation<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I know it's been a while since I've posted on here, but I have just been super busy, planning the convention, getting my garden ready for the tour, and just generally going crazy! LOL! I am so excited for the convention, and since I'll have lots of jobs to do this year and a drive home each night, I most likely won't have a play by play for this year's convention. I do promise to take lots of pictures, though (as usual), and I will try to post some convention updates later on. As you can see below, I've been busy getting the APS Convention materials ready to go. If you are coming to the convention, I'll see you soon! :-) <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KoWLgUKMb7s/WS7_3V3mVSI/AAAAAAAAHKs/_SJC2Afhmbw6UItEs9fuyDJO4lgzTCVeQCLcB/s1600/20170530%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvention%2BMaterials.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KoWLgUKMb7s/WS7_3V3mVSI/AAAAAAAAHKs/_SJC2Afhmbw6UItEs9fuyDJO4lgzTCVeQCLcB/s400/20170530%2BAmerican%2BPeony%2BSociety%2BConvention%2BMaterials.JPG" width="400" height="268" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1072" /></a><br>American Peony Society Convention Materials</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-15601081252012745692017-05-10T14:12:00.000-04:002017-05-16T07:53:22.349-04:002017 Tree Peony Seeds from Canada Sprout!<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I was beginning to wonder if any of those <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2016/12/2016-paeonia-rockii-purple-tree-peony.html">2016 Paeonia rockii Purple Tree Peony Seeds</a> that were sent to me as a replacement for the <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2015/11/2015-purple-peony-rockii-seeds-from.html">2015 Purple Peony Rockii Seeds from Ebay Canada</a> were going to sprout. Since none of the seeds from the original batch sprouted, I was worried that the second batch might not sprout either. However it seems the second batch of seeds were good because I now have 5 baby P. rockii tree peony seedlings from the second batch of seeds! How exciting! I am curious to see if any of these grow into a lovely purple flower with dark purple flares like the mother plant. Now that the seeds have actually sprouted, the only thing to do now is wait for a bloom! :-) <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzYddK56nWc/WRnuiAZWYAI/AAAAAAAAHKM/9AtTgS1QiUQaUSwmqKvMxQkCxkQIHMCeACLcB/s1600/20170515_0004%2Bp.%2Brockii%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeeds%2Bfrom%2BCanada%2BSprout.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzYddK56nWc/WRnuiAZWYAI/AAAAAAAAHKM/9AtTgS1QiUQaUSwmqKvMxQkCxkQIHMCeACLcB/s400/20170515_0004%2Bp.%2Brockii%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeeds%2Bfrom%2BCanada%2BSprout.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>P. rockii Seeds Sprout</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-74274603187718967012017-05-07T18:41:00.000-04:002017-05-15T08:36:50.965-04:002017 Peony Blooms Week 5 Mid Late Season<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I obviously did not take enough pictures this week. I have been spending lots of time this year trying to get my garden "tour ready" for the <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/02/2017-american-peony-society-convention.html">2017 American Peony Society Convention in Raleigh, NC</a>. Plus it seems the peonies are blooming in different weeks this year as well, condensing the bloom season a bit. I think this is a symptom of the very warm, then very cold early spring weather we experienced in February and March, <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/03/2017-protect-peonies-from-super-cold.html">2017 Protect Peonies from Super Cold Overnight Temps</a>. So I decided to combine the Herbaceous and Intersectional bloom pictures this week. Peony 'Angel Cheeks' is always a stellar performer here and is a <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performer</a>. Intersectional Peony 'Sequestered Sunshine' really is that yellow! I hope your peony bloom season is going well! <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUrcsQMKThU/WRmCEA_Gy-I/AAAAAAAAHJ0/0cor2QzzIBQBOTEDIIjE4kR_BQAiSDUYwCLcB/s1600/20170429_0031%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BCheeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUrcsQMKThU/WRmCEA_Gy-I/AAAAAAAAHJ0/0cor2QzzIBQBOTEDIIjE4kR_BQAiSDUYwCLcB/s400/20170429_0031%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BCheeks.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Angel Cheeks'</center><br><center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dViiad2wOQ/WRmCG__xJEI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/B8onPXyko1gaanAJmkqSP8oSL7x4o1tCwCLcB/s1600/20170429_0072%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BVictoire%2Bde%2Ble%2BMarne.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dViiad2wOQ/WRmCG__xJEI/AAAAAAAAHJ8/B8onPXyko1gaanAJmkqSP8oSL7x4o1tCwCLcB/s400/20170429_0072%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BVictoire%2Bde%2Ble%2BMarne.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Peony Victoire de le Marne'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG9i0FGHj8U/WRmCCSFkz8I/AAAAAAAAHJw/qEpM1e3whn0Soq6w71jCS5JokUqm2DRugCLcB/s1600/20170429_0094%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BSequestered%2BSunshine.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG9i0FGHj8U/WRmCCSFkz8I/AAAAAAAAHJw/qEpM1e3whn0Soq6w71jCS5JokUqm2DRugCLcB/s400/20170429_0094%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BSequestered%2BSunshine.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Sequestered Sunshine'</center><br> <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNG4Cn1iYQs/WRmCGZYWzLI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/r_8rtoYXpH8tC5WSaPWo-XoBrtUZyPGrgCLcB/s1600/20170504_0013%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BPrairie%2BCharm.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNG4Cn1iYQs/WRmCGZYWzLI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/r_8rtoYXpH8tC5WSaPWo-XoBrtUZyPGrgCLcB/s400/20170504_0013%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B5%2BMid%2BLate%2BPeony%2BPrairie%2BCharm.JPG" width="400" height="268" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Pairie Charm'</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-48730868021780550232017-05-05T19:33:00.000-04:002017-05-06T21:27:17.414-04:002017 Red Tree Peony Seeds Sprout!<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wos7_Oaxp6E/WQ2vtluyHwI/AAAAAAAAHJI/XgNUpLpGmBo-mw8jdR2HH9xayFVll7StwCLcB/s1600/20170421_0245%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings%2BSign.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wos7_Oaxp6E/WQ2vtluyHwI/AAAAAAAAHJI/XgNUpLpGmBo-mw8jdR2HH9xayFVll7StwCLcB/s400/20170421_0245%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings%2BSign.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Red Tree Peony Seedlings Sign</center><br>Remember those red tree peony seeds I planted this past fall, <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2016/09/2016-planting-red-tree-peony-seeds-from.html">2016 Planting Red Tree Peony Seeds from Georgia</a>? Well, I was beginning to think that they weren't coming up, that perhaps there were not actually viable. However about 2 weeks ago, I finally noticed a few green things popping up in that spot (that weren't weeds). LOL! So far I have 6 baby tree peony seedlings from those <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2016/08/2016-red-tree-peony-seeds-from-sp.html">2016 Red Tree Peony Seeds from SP Reader in GA</a>. I'm guessing a few more peony seedlings may still pop up. If not this year, then perhaps next spring. We shall see! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gT0UjP4Hrbs/WQ2vtVF7UAI/AAAAAAAAHJE/JQzhlvpIq18SJNDLLMkfvyKGUsW1XVi0gCLcB/s1600/20170421_0244%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gT0UjP4Hrbs/WQ2vtVF7UAI/AAAAAAAAHJE/JQzhlvpIq18SJNDLLMkfvyKGUsW1XVi0gCLcB/s400/20170421_0244%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Red Tree Peony Seedlings</center><br><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ogaRV2n9lM/WQ2vt8wMODI/AAAAAAAAHJM/WzU9DjClZak10LiKrFRWP1XpZ-SDyd1swCLcB/s1600/20170421_0246%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ogaRV2n9lM/WQ2vt8wMODI/AAAAAAAAHJM/WzU9DjClZak10LiKrFRWP1XpZ-SDyd1swCLcB/s400/20170421_0246%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Red Tree Peony Seedlings</center><br><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cerbmPM3yAw/WQ2vyrB7MUI/AAAAAAAAHJQ/nmtywt_ugEMHwd1VaSUVi62efHX2TWkcQCLcB/s1600/20170421_0249%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cerbmPM3yAw/WQ2vyrB7MUI/AAAAAAAAHJQ/nmtywt_ugEMHwd1VaSUVi62efHX2TWkcQCLcB/s400/20170421_0249%2BRed%2BTree%2BPeony%2BSeedlings.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Red Tree Peony Seedlings</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-63003445962430496832017-05-03T18:49:00.000-04:002017-05-06T06:50:03.028-04:002017 Intersectional Peony Blooms Week 4 Mid<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>This week there was still a nice range of colors in the intersectional peony blooms. Peony 'Sonoma Rosy Future' bloomed for me for the first time this year with blooms! What an awesome plant! Peony 'Yumi' also bloomed for this first time in my garden this year, since the first root I got of it was the wrong plant. Peony 'Yumi' is a big bright clear yellow intersectional peony with lots of petals arranged in a nice symmetrical pattern. I really like it too! Peony 'Old Rose Dandy' has an interesting coloring, and Peony 'Cora Louise' is a reliable garden standard with huge blooms and a nice white/purple contrast on its petals. <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnT9HoL_8K8/WQ2kkUn0ICI/AAAAAAAAHIc/S4OHKJajs6Ar2k5JdBBfYjD6zW-PIzvFQCLcB/s1600/20170425_0350%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BRosy%2BFuture.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnT9HoL_8K8/WQ2kkUn0ICI/AAAAAAAAHIc/S4OHKJajs6Ar2k5JdBBfYjD6zW-PIzvFQCLcB/s400/20170425_0350%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BRosy%2BFuture.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Sonoma Rosy Future'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iRm1p5Cy1M/WQ2kjavey8I/AAAAAAAAHIY/eX1Kvenn1BQnvg1r43hXsVBerqGVYYA5QCLcB/s1600/20170425_0387%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BOld%2BRose%2BDandy.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iRm1p5Cy1M/WQ2kjavey8I/AAAAAAAAHIY/eX1Kvenn1BQnvg1r43hXsVBerqGVYYA5QCLcB/s400/20170425_0387%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BOld%2BRose%2BDandy.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Old Rose Dandy'</center><br> <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfA-rjoZvlM/WQ2kisdY8RI/AAAAAAAAHIU/ITeLp_6dnnEyTg0MQUzxx-5O1rnJN2cOwCLcB/s1600/20170427_0154%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BYumi.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfA-rjoZvlM/WQ2kisdY8RI/AAAAAAAAHIU/ITeLp_6dnnEyTg0MQUzxx-5O1rnJN2cOwCLcB/s400/20170427_0154%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BYumi.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Yumi'</center><br> <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAJZKHJ8hBA/WQ2km9_0-8I/AAAAAAAAHIg/D_jEMTg41vA-ZSXhX7vLc9csaqX_TCOdQCLcB/s1600/20170427_0175%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BCora%2BLouise.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAJZKHJ8hBA/WQ2km9_0-8I/AAAAAAAAHIg/D_jEMTg41vA-ZSXhX7vLc9csaqX_TCOdQCLcB/s400/20170427_0175%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BCora%2BLouise.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Cora Louise'</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-50268487249350722252017-05-01T21:10:00.000-04:002017-05-02T07:11:45.054-04:002017 Peony 'Topeka Garnet' Best Performer - Week 4<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I must say that I have been very impressed with how fast Peony 'Topeka Garnet' has developed in my garden. It has grown from 3 stems, to 7 stems, to 10 stems, to 12 stems, to now 15 stems this year. Each year its bud and blooms counts have been steadily increasing as well. This peony stands up in the face of heat, rain, and wind. It definitely thrives here in our warm Southern climate. This photo was taken after a big storm. As you can see a few of the blooms have been open for a few days and yet the bright red color is unaffected. The blooms have such good substance and the petals are so tough that they hang on even through a storm, giving you a nice red petaled show! The number of flowers on the bush is amazing, and I'd even already cut two stems to enter into the APS Exhibition this year! Peony 'Topeka Garnet' was hybridized by Bigger and registered in 1975. If you are looking for a good mid season red to add to your collection, I would highly recommend Peony 'Topeka Garnet'! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHg6snNOJ_c/WQhfCYy8WsI/AAAAAAAAHHw/CDpyw1PUVB4uBHsYEAEH_dK-5xMR3jmRQCLcB/s1600/20170427_0235%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BTopeka%2BGarnet.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHg6snNOJ_c/WQhfCYy8WsI/AAAAAAAAHHw/CDpyw1PUVB4uBHsYEAEH_dK-5xMR3jmRQCLcB/s400/20170427_0235%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BTopeka%2BGarnet.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Topeka Garnet'<br><a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performer</a></center><br> <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNT3K6eR9r8/WQhfCw_dtwI/AAAAAAAAHH0/MppA4DeEO-0K5E3NYaTyESHxIUotBFCsgCLcB/s1600/20170427_0227%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BPeony%2B%2527Topeka%2BGarnet%2527%2BBush.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNT3K6eR9r8/WQhfCw_dtwI/AAAAAAAAHH0/MppA4DeEO-0K5E3NYaTyESHxIUotBFCsgCLcB/s400/20170427_0227%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BPeony%2B%2527Topeka%2BGarnet%2527%2BBush.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Topeka Garnet'<br><a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performer</a></center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-5766202985458357212017-04-30T23:26:00.000-04:002017-04-30T23:26:02.581-04:002017 Peony Blooms Week 4 Mid Season<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>Either there are lots of red peonies blooming this week, or I just happened to take pictures of lots of reds blooming this week. :-) We finally got the much needed rain. I think Mother Nature tried to make up for our year's rain deficit all in one storm. I don't even know exactly how much rain this storm dropped on us over 3 days, but I do know my rain gauge measures up to 5 inches, and it was all the way full! We did get a few days of sun once the storm had passed, which gave me an opportunity to snap a few sunny peony pictures this week! Enjoy! <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Osi70ESYZsw/WQaZFl-bJNI/AAAAAAAAHHA/IYdoID-b7w4UzNjM6ExXXQAlakiF0uMKACLcB/s1600/20170422_0153%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BMany%2BHappy%2BReturns.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Osi70ESYZsw/WQaZFl-bJNI/AAAAAAAAHHA/IYdoID-b7w4UzNjM6ExXXQAlakiF0uMKACLcB/s400/20170422_0153%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BMany%2BHappy%2BReturns.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Many Happy Returns'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIvBedMJou8/WQaZFFLs2ZI/AAAAAAAAHG8/hs9SYtF49TU7T13F0wUp0ypu3T1m50dlgCLcB/s1600/20170422_0139%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BMiss%2BAmerica.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIvBedMJou8/WQaZFFLs2ZI/AAAAAAAAHG8/hs9SYtF49TU7T13F0wUp0ypu3T1m50dlgCLcB/s400/20170422_0139%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BMiss%2BAmerica.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Miss America'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLBzwGv4TxU/WQaZM65yH8I/AAAAAAAAHHE/6jCkZHSmZvUSmREpUd1P5qQKfS6aZIEOgCLcB/s1600/20170425_0460%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BScarlet%2BO%2527Hara.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLBzwGv4TxU/WQaZM65yH8I/AAAAAAAAHHE/6jCkZHSmZvUSmREpUd1P5qQKfS6aZIEOgCLcB/s400/20170425_0460%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BScarlet%2BO%2527Hara.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Scarlet O'Hara'</center><br> <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zuBO-YHLqN0/WQaZCxiQQnI/AAAAAAAAHG4/DtII8WLT_D0keXKNT7fpXcXKXLtxFwxOgCLcB/s1600/20170425_0304%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BPink%2BPrincess.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zuBO-YHLqN0/WQaZCxiQQnI/AAAAAAAAHG4/DtII8WLT_D0keXKNT7fpXcXKXLtxFwxOgCLcB/s400/20170425_0304%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BPink%2BPrincess.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Pink Princess'</center><br> <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pIwiNQu4XQ/WQaZNCk44bI/AAAAAAAAHHM/awoeWJ9XhigeRQZXagJppXCv9JfnZFWIwCLcB/s1600/20170427_0235%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BTopeka%2BGarnet.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pIwiNQu4XQ/WQaZNCk44bI/AAAAAAAAHHM/awoeWJ9XhigeRQZXagJppXCv9JfnZFWIwCLcB/s400/20170427_0235%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BTopeka%2BGarnet.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Topeka Garnet'</center><br> <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7txgLER2IzY/WQaZNCKDUwI/AAAAAAAAHHI/__0wlO6sJv8Z4d_oFr60FMGn0M7q1wv1wCLcB/s1600/20170425_0310%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BPink%2BDerby.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7txgLER2IzY/WQaZNCKDUwI/AAAAAAAAHHI/__0wlO6sJv8Z4d_oFr60FMGn0M7q1wv1wCLcB/s400/20170425_0310%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B4%2BMid%2BPeony%2BPink%2BDerby.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Pink Derby'</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-66536638083774984122017-04-29T23:47:00.000-04:002017-04-30T22:48:01.045-04:002017 Intersectional Peony 'Sonoma YeDo' Blooms!<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>Remember that box I received in January, <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/01/2017-first-division-peony-gift-from.html">2017 First Intersectional Peony Gift from a Friend</a>? Well, I am happy to report that it actually did bloom this year. This Intersectional Peony 'Sonoma YeDo' had only one bloom on it this year, but what a lovely bloom it is! The flower is so full, so full of petals of a rich, luxurious yellow. I haven't seen another peony quite like it. I was so tempted to cut this flower in bud to enter it into this year's <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/02/2017-american-peony-society-convention.html">2017 American Peony Society Convention in Raleigh, NC</a>, but I just couldn't resist seeing it bloom in my own garden! I'm guessing this gorgeous flower probably would have won a ribbon in the Exhibition, but seeing it bloom on the bush was worth missing out on a ribbon! Plus I want to keep as much foliage as possible on this Intersectional Peony 'Sonoma YeDo' bush so that it can grow even larger next year! <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul267DRKJWc/WQaeMHPU_yI/AAAAAAAAHHc/dCwgOBmOC_AUg4vwMn9e_I1i2uGd7LGzwCLcB/s1600/20170425_0424%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BYeDo%2BBlooms.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul267DRKJWc/WQaeMHPU_yI/AAAAAAAAHHc/dCwgOBmOC_AUg4vwMn9e_I1i2uGd7LGzwCLcB/s400/20170425_0424%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BYeDo%2BBlooms.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Sonoma YeDo'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2euNLSjfwrs/WQaeMXyW0_I/AAAAAAAAHHg/MAWisnazVQIfv8e0VIygtJ8U3l_Ky3IcwCLcB/s1600/20170425_0431%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BYeDo%2BBlooms.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2euNLSjfwrs/WQaeMXyW0_I/AAAAAAAAHHg/MAWisnazVQIfv8e0VIygtJ8U3l_Ky3IcwCLcB/s400/20170425_0431%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BYeDo%2BBlooms.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Sonoma YeDo'</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-52482905200741248662017-04-27T22:19:00.000-04:002017-04-28T07:29:49.144-04:002017 In Love with Tree Peony Angel Emily<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCYqZtr-5qg/WP1xdt_G8wI/AAAAAAAAHGU/DtGgeZiRk1cjryPJqK9yJx-NAPDCi9CuACLcB/s1600/20170420_0358%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCYqZtr-5qg/WP1xdt_G8wI/AAAAAAAAHGU/DtGgeZiRk1cjryPJqK9yJx-NAPDCi9CuACLcB/s400/20170420_0358%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Tree Peony 'Angel Emily'</center><br>I can't help it! I'm in love! Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' is the best tree peony I've ever grown. Not that I have grown that many of them (but I have grown a few - at least tried to grow and tried and tried). Okay, I've killed a couple tree peonies along the way, and it seems like none of them really ever want to get established, but Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' is a totally different story! This tree peony actually grows and grows and grows bigger each year - and more beautiful, with more blossoms on it. This year it actually had 3 blooms on it, and they were all this gorgeous shade of lavender. One of the blooms had already finished, and these two blooms opened a bit later. <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TXwZsy9hso/WP1xYuop3FI/AAAAAAAAHGI/Bu2051_L5I4swlyHgep5cII5KAXuyquhQCLcB/s1600/20170420_0340%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TXwZsy9hso/WP1xYuop3FI/AAAAAAAAHGI/Bu2051_L5I4swlyHgep5cII5KAXuyquhQCLcB/s400/20170420_0340%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' Blooms</center><br>It's like this tree peony grows how tree peonies are actually supposed to grow. I haven't quite had a tree peony yet to impress me. Sometimes I'd get a couple blooms the first year from the grafted stems of a tree peony, then I'd get no blooms, then the plant might get smaller, or sometimes just grow the same size as it was the year before (very dissappointing). However Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' has been a totally different story. I think it had a bud on it the first year, but it didn't mature, the next year had no buds, but the bush got larger and larger. You could tell it was adapting and growing. The next year (this year), the bush was even larger and had three blooms on it. I can't wait to see what it does next year! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZqH4MvOxq8/WP1xZSE5JII/AAAAAAAAHGM/ED2O1K9GN8cn_vvtNw9XVUVAEnxIo8X6gCLcB/s1600/20170420_0351%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZqH4MvOxq8/WP1xZSE5JII/AAAAAAAAHGM/ED2O1K9GN8cn_vvtNw9XVUVAEnxIo8X6gCLcB/s400/20170420_0351%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' Bloom</center><br>I was even able to use some fresh pollen from this gorgeous tree peony to pollinate the blooms on my herbaceous Peony 'Martha W.' during the <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/04/2017-good-peony-hybridizing-weather.html">2017 Good Peony Hybridizing Weather</a> we had last week. So even if the year old pollen I had in the freezer doesn't work, at least I will have tried some fresh pollen too! We will see which pollen actually does a better job at producing seeds. It would be great to get some intersectional peony seeds from this cross, especially since lavender and purple are my favorite colors. :-) We shall see... <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXOgZmsJ4ak/WP1xb_tvVZI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/Ohlq7J3dY5s_cGAjwmdfzdbbC0xsUhRmwCLcB/s1600/20170420_0339%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXOgZmsJ4ak/WP1xb_tvVZI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/Ohlq7J3dY5s_cGAjwmdfzdbbC0xsUhRmwCLcB/s400/20170420_0339%2BIn%2BLove%2Bwith%2BTree%2BPeony%2BAngel%2BEmily.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Tree Peony 'Angel Emily' Bush</center><br>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-44936472616269541772017-04-26T21:53:00.000-04:002017-04-26T21:53:23.515-04:002017 Intersectional Peony Blooms Week 3 Early Mid<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>This week we started to get more of a range of colors in the intersectional peony blooms, with the yellow intersectionals starting to open up. In addition to yellow colored blossoms there were also some whites, pinks, and peach tones as well. It was so nice to see the intersectional peony blooms open, the plants and blooms getting better each year. There were also some new blossoms I'd never seen before. It is always so nice to see a new peony bloom for the first time! I hope you are all enjoying your gardens as much as I am this year! Happy Peony Bloom Season! <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jzirp0RSZM/WP1ioe2C8wI/AAAAAAAAHF0/T-8rzCYsTo4YPEIHzZWbnL4hbaxuk-F-gCLcB/s1600/20170420_0321%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BMisaka.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jzirp0RSZM/WP1ioe2C8wI/AAAAAAAAHF0/T-8rzCYsTo4YPEIHzZWbnL4hbaxuk-F-gCLcB/s400/20170420_0321%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BMisaka.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Misaka' 美 (Beautiful Blossom)<br>aka 'Smith Opus 1'</center><br> <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rbwdQy4Dks/WP1ifjTq-CI/AAAAAAAAHFs/OlYJffZtoJ8-jewvYZ3JRUJeA7X-aAwuACLcB/s1600/20170416_0455%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BHillary.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rbwdQy4Dks/WP1ifjTq-CI/AAAAAAAAHFs/OlYJffZtoJ8-jewvYZ3JRUJeA7X-aAwuACLcB/s400/20170416_0455%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BHillary.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Hillary'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9xiuIEbx44/WP1ifor9FaI/AAAAAAAAHFo/T8x54XRHhycEsEIPWv60IaAWdlHcnO0nwCLcB/s1600/20170418_0109%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BWhite%2BEmperor.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9xiuIEbx44/WP1ifor9FaI/AAAAAAAAHFo/T8x54XRHhycEsEIPWv60IaAWdlHcnO0nwCLcB/s400/20170418_0109%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BWhite%2BEmperor.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'White Emperor'</center><br> <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1MVgi-G7Ew/WP1ioi2G26I/AAAAAAAAHF4/pr_R7jYh6kk5OG4F6zUEU15jY2osF0YUACLcB/s1600/20170418_0167%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BYellow%2BEmperor.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1MVgi-G7Ew/WP1ioi2G26I/AAAAAAAAHF4/pr_R7jYh6kk5OG4F6zUEU15jY2osF0YUACLcB/s400/20170418_0167%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BYellow%2BEmperor.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Yellow Emperor'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6A1DXhO1TA/WP1inR8lLBI/AAAAAAAAHFw/_fJWnxOrurUpuDFYMI2JQE40dqiu3xrgACLcB/s1600/20170418_0174%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BCallie%2527s%2BMemory.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6A1DXhO1TA/WP1inR8lLBI/AAAAAAAAHFw/_fJWnxOrurUpuDFYMI2JQE40dqiu3xrgACLcB/s400/20170418_0174%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BCallie%2527s%2BMemory.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Callie's Memory'</center><br> <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dPsgZuYMfQ/WP1iflmezGI/AAAAAAAAHFk/HuOLCpjRm0cS0emcXhM0axU7SIjgZSKDwCLcB/s1600/20170416_0403%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BTakara.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dPsgZuYMfQ/WP1iflmezGI/AAAAAAAAHFk/HuOLCpjRm0cS0emcXhM0axU7SIjgZSKDwCLcB/s400/20170416_0403%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BTakara.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Takara' 慈悲 (Treasure)<br>aka 'Smith Opus 2'</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-72810731027601237192017-04-25T17:09:00.000-04:002017-04-25T17:09:06.352-04:002017 Free Mulch for Peonies and Garden<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QvHSTTa4Pc/WPg0h1UIKGI/AAAAAAAAHEA/HyfKLgW5uZE4eRUOm2vNuefBpDO9fk4tQCLcB/s1600/20170418_0254%2BFree%2BMulch%2Bfor%2BPeonies%2Band%2BGarden.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QvHSTTa4Pc/WPg0h1UIKGI/AAAAAAAAHEA/HyfKLgW5uZE4eRUOm2vNuefBpDO9fk4tQCLcB/s400/20170418_0254%2BFree%2BMulch%2Bfor%2BPeonies%2Band%2BGarden.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Free Wood Chip Mulch for Peonies</center><br>I was kind of worried this might not come in. I've been calling my tree service guy for about 4 months now asking for free wood chips. I also called all around town to other tree services, but hadn't had any luck finding any wood chips. I was getting really desperate knowing the <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/02/2017-american-peony-society-convention.html">2017 American Peony Society Convention being held in Raleigh, NC</a> this year (and there might be a few visitors to my garden). I decided to try the tree service guy I know one more time a week ago. This time he finally said he'd be working in my area and could bring me some mulch! I was overjoyed. Now comes the hard part. Time to get to work shoveling, hauling, dumping, and raking! As you can see my <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2015/05/2015-peony-keiko-adored-best-performer.html">Peony 'Keiko' (Adored)</a> in the background is really happy about getting the new mulch too! :-) If you don't grow Peony 'Keiko' I highly recommend it. It is an outstanding and consistent plant, and is one of my <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performers</a>.Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-3317824520025472892017-04-24T19:11:00.000-04:002017-04-24T19:11:02.377-04:002017 Peony 'Julia Rose' Best Performer - Week 3<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I just can not stop looking at (or taking pictures of) this Peony 'Julia Rose' plant this year. Every bloom on the plant is gorgeous. The colors of the petals are beautiful ombres of pink, orange, and coral. This intersectional Peony 'Julia Rose' was hybridized by Roger Anderson and does not yet seem to be registered. However this plant has been on the market for quite some time. This plant hold the flowers nicely above the foliage and the blooms are spaced evenly around the plant. The blooms open over a period of time, so you get to enjoy the blooms for a couple weeks. If you don't yet grow Intersectional Peony 'Julia Rose', it should definitely be on your list. You can find this peony for sale from several growers on my <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/01/2017-intersectional-peony-catalog-price.html">2017 Intersectional Peony Catalog Price Comparison List</a>. Good luck! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukCU1JH6lpw/WP00EvGNJtI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/kv77y5-KxQE4QTavqZASWepZ9LpAIXxDgCLcB/s1600/20170418_0137%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BJulia%2BRose%2BBloom.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukCU1JH6lpw/WP00EvGNJtI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/kv77y5-KxQE4QTavqZASWepZ9LpAIXxDgCLcB/s400/20170418_0137%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BJulia%2BRose%2BBloom.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br><a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performer</a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Julia Rose'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5_ZWTOyOsM/WP00GUiZO7I/AAAAAAAAHFU/CDqZSpPrA700313VttCV_6tgpLHi96SZgCLcB/s1600/20170418_0139%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BJulia%2BRose%2BBush.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5_ZWTOyOsM/WP00GUiZO7I/AAAAAAAAHFU/CDqZSpPrA700313VttCV_6tgpLHi96SZgCLcB/s400/20170418_0139%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BJulia%2BRose%2BBush.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br><a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performer</a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Julia Rose'</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-73202672144552038882017-04-23T23:00:00.000-04:002017-04-23T23:00:18.437-04:002017 Peony Blooms Week 3 Early Mid<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>It was a hard week for my peonies, another week of dry, sunny weather (which makes for great peony photos!). However I can tell the flowers and stems are a bit sad and wishing for rain. Also it seems the foliage and flowers are smaller than usual. I don't think we've made up for our lack of rain in February, and so the ground is still a bit drier than normal. We are definitely down from the average amount of rainfall so far this year. Despite the challenges, the peonies still managed to show up with some amazing blooms. Take a look... I hope your early peonies are growing and blooming for you too! :-) <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJz5Q80akKg/WP0vtChGqwI/AAAAAAAAHE0/qjXMFa7hD7wBW32pBgTM9_XTj8sdjFYxgCLcB/s1600/20170418_0041%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BSalmon%2BDream.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJz5Q80akKg/WP0vtChGqwI/AAAAAAAAHE0/qjXMFa7hD7wBW32pBgTM9_XTj8sdjFYxgCLcB/s400/20170418_0041%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BSalmon%2BDream.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Salmon Dream'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSEKFiPpgao/WP0vvN0YcaI/AAAAAAAAHE4/oUCsS0UMCWsZk8ZQS60CTmM6La3m9XhpgCLcB/s1600/20170418_0046%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BDo%2BTell.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSEKFiPpgao/WP0vvN0YcaI/AAAAAAAAHE4/oUCsS0UMCWsZk8ZQS60CTmM6La3m9XhpgCLcB/s400/20170418_0046%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BDo%2BTell.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Do Tell'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMmhxksYUIE/WP0vtEFmQZI/AAAAAAAAHEw/NpqwS0dtTPIXy1WaMt-2kITF0R54oQ6PwCLcB/s1600/20170418_0074%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BEtched%2BSalmon.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMmhxksYUIE/WP0vtEFmQZI/AAAAAAAAHEw/NpqwS0dtTPIXy1WaMt-2kITF0R54oQ6PwCLcB/s400/20170418_0074%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BEtched%2BSalmon.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Etched Salmon'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hr7kGHkTI5A/WP0v3Xh2QdI/AAAAAAAAHFA/ElHzqCj1ahUiZiqixkuflemxqBDKavUzACLcB/s1600/20170418_0081%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BGreen%2BLotus.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hr7kGHkTI5A/WP0v3Xh2QdI/AAAAAAAAHFA/ElHzqCj1ahUiZiqixkuflemxqBDKavUzACLcB/s400/20170418_0081%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BGreen%2BLotus.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Green Lotus'</center><br> <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1XMgULXPcc/WP0v3JrfyNI/AAAAAAAAHE8/u5xOyAdB5t48_G4p-iGTbhy55kgCWFKHACLcB/s1600/20170418_0089%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BPink%2BSpritzer.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1XMgULXPcc/WP0v3JrfyNI/AAAAAAAAHE8/u5xOyAdB5t48_G4p-iGTbhy55kgCWFKHACLcB/s400/20170418_0089%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BPink%2BSpritzer.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Pink Spritzer'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEkK5gcZUok/WP0v4gw35fI/AAAAAAAAHFE/k_WNFucZjb4h2vB-sPZloVQEuJzpXtCHACLcB/s1600/20170418_0095%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BWhite%2BCap.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEkK5gcZUok/WP0v4gw35fI/AAAAAAAAHFE/k_WNFucZjb4h2vB-sPZloVQEuJzpXtCHACLcB/s400/20170418_0095%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B3%2BEarly%2BMid%2BPeony%2BWhite%2BCap.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'White Cap'</center><br>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-88809744063700238462017-04-22T23:57:00.000-04:002017-04-23T17:00:15.824-04:002017 Cutting Peony Stems for the APS Convention & Exhibition<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HmTIUnfsQs/WPg06izNW4I/AAAAAAAAHEI/vpcoZqgxClAV6cl1_dPmtWC6hW_rTlk7wCLcB/s1600/20170418_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HmTIUnfsQs/WPg06izNW4I/AAAAAAAAHEI/vpcoZqgxClAV6cl1_dPmtWC6hW_rTlk7wCLcB/s400/20170418_0234.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Cut Peony Stems for APS Exhibition</center><br>I finally found a bit of time to cut a few stems for the <a href="http://www.americanpeonysociety.org/events/2017-convention">American Peony Society 2017 Convention</a>. I've been so busy that I've almost let this slip away from me. Most of my early peonies have already opened and are too far past the point needed to cut them for the flower show. So I guess I won't be showing any Saunders hybrids this year. However my mid season peonies are starting to bloom as well as my intersectionals. So there are still several choices left to cut. If you are new to showing flowers and feel a little intimidated about it, don't worry. I made all the mistakes two years ago. Remember the steam bath many of my peony stems needed for my <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2015/05/2015-aps-convention-exhibit-peony.html">2015 APS Convention Exhibit Peony Preparation</a>? <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7J4BmMrn1Q/WPg05SwqOXI/AAAAAAAAHEE/KGktJGTTqz4AAE2j6QaIocvJR95R7VIjgCLcB/s1600/20170418_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7J4BmMrn1Q/WPg05SwqOXI/AAAAAAAAHEE/KGktJGTTqz4AAE2j6QaIocvJR95R7VIjgCLcB/s400/20170418_0240.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Cut Peony Stems with Soft Buds</center><br>This year I am cutting the blooms a little less "hard" than I did last year. I guess I was worried if there were any petals showing the flowers would go bad, but now I've learned that if you cut the buds too small and hard, they just do not open. Also single flowers will open faster than double flowers. So you want to make sure your huge double flowered buds are mature enough when you cut them. As you can see this years cuts are a bit larger and showing a bit more petal than the cuts I did 2 years ago, <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2015/04/2015-cut-first-stems-for-aps-peony.html">2015 Cut First Stems for APS Peony Exhibition</a>. We'll see how it works out. Hopefully I don't get any more mold, and the blooms open well without a steam bath!Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-81238178554857497262017-04-20T22:15:00.000-04:002017-04-20T22:15:33.103-04:002017 Good Peony Hybridizing Weather<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppzzI-b4SKY/WPgyIfMxygI/AAAAAAAAHDw/BWpXSb92IH0QXk2W6vV4LahYLmeW2q3GgCLcB/s1600/20170414_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppzzI-b4SKY/WPgyIfMxygI/AAAAAAAAHDw/BWpXSb92IH0QXk2W6vV4LahYLmeW2q3GgCLcB/s400/20170414_0504.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Pollinated Peony Bloom Protected by Sheer Bag</center><br>I'm not sure how, but somehow this week I have managed to get up early enough every day for the last week to get my pollen out of the freezer, go outside with a trash can, scissors, pollen, and bags/tags to work on hybridizing Peony 'Martha W.' - all before getting the kids ready and out the door for school/preschool and then getting myself ready for work! :-D I think my first failure - <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2017/04/2017-intersectional-peony-hybridizing.html">2017 Intersectional Peony Hybridizing Failure</a> - has made me even more determined to succeed. <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhcCdfY61U0/WPgyHN0jkhI/AAAAAAAAHDo/Ch7A0ZzawewPEF-rA_4LXUYkieTjZVlJwCLcB/s1600/20170414_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhcCdfY61U0/WPgyHN0jkhI/AAAAAAAAHDo/Ch7A0ZzawewPEF-rA_4LXUYkieTjZVlJwCLcB/s400/20170414_0487.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Frozen Pollen and Bags for Protection</center><br>The weather has mostly cooperated. It has been quite dry now for a couple of weeks. Doing this hybridzing work to remove the petals and stamens and then applying a pollen to the stigmas for all these days in a row, and has made me come to appreciate the dry weather we've been having. I wouldn't want all of this pollen to just get washed right off! However the non-hybridizing, peony grower side of me keeps wishing for the rain! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoUPlHaMXiU/WPgyMQDAdWI/AAAAAAAAHD0/nioyQftvKPo4ZES-3J0zfymYSrQF8dhOwCLcB/s1600/20170414_0536%2BHybridizing%2BPeonies%2Bin%2BWet%2BWeather.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoUPlHaMXiU/WPgyMQDAdWI/AAAAAAAAHD0/nioyQftvKPo4ZES-3J0zfymYSrQF8dhOwCLcB/s400/20170414_0536%2BHybridizing%2BPeonies%2Bin%2BWet%2BWeather.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>First Day Peony Crosses Protected By Paper Bags</center><br>Many of the peonies in my garden are still growing leaves and flower buds and need additional moisture to grow well. The pollen I've been using is frozen from pollen I collected last year at the convention during the <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2016/06/2016-aps-peony-convention-tour-of.html">2016 APS Peony Convention Tour of Solaris Farms</a>. Nate Bremer very generously told all of his visitors that they were welcome to collect as much pollen as the would like. So I'm hoping that some of this tree peony pollen that has been frozen for one year is still good! Only time will tell. <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ih87ltOpQA/WPgyHAI4mpI/AAAAAAAAHDs/dzUu7Oh1R7A1fr2LYE2A0kzEPvQ4ZHNsACLcB/s1600/20170414_0533%2BHybridizing%2BPeonies%2Bin%2BDry%2BWeather.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ih87ltOpQA/WPgyHAI4mpI/AAAAAAAAHDs/dzUu7Oh1R7A1fr2LYE2A0kzEPvQ4ZHNsACLcB/s400/20170414_0533%2BHybridizing%2BPeonies%2Bin%2BDry%2BWeather.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Second Day Peony Crosses Protected By Sheer Bags</center><br>I have been keeping the pollinated blooms protected with a paper bag the first day and then a breathable, transparent bag the second day. I'm hoping this helps the pollination rates. Last year I used only the paper bags, and left them on the plant for much too long. I believe this had a negative impact on the number of fertilized seeds that were able to develop. Let hope this idea - sparked by Nate's mention that he was using cotton muslin bags as an experiment - will work!Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-43011358173763508872017-04-19T22:39:00.001-04:002017-04-19T22:39:25.436-04:002017 Intersectional Peony Blooms Week 2 Early<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I can't believe the intersectional peonies are already blooming! My early intersectional peonies all started blooming in shades of pinks, lavenders, and purples. However that color intersectional peonies are famous for - that rich, golden yellow has not yet appeared. I suppose the yellow intersectionals tend to bloom a bit later in the intersectional season. Peony 'First Arrival' was the first intersectional to bloom in my garden this year, a fitting name for this early intersectional. Peony 'Hillary' has been just gorgeous this year. This plant has really settled in and taken off. <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2016/04/2016-peony-sonoma-amethyst-best.html">Peony 'Sonoma Amethyst'</a> and <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/2014/05/2014-peony-morning-lilac-best-performer.html">Peony 'Morning Lilac'</a> are both <a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performers</a>, and they are both living up to their reputations this year as well. If you haven't started your intersectional peony collection yet, now's the time. I can't say enough good things about them! :-) <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfRr3p87pg8/WPgQlef05PI/AAAAAAAAHDA/Pb6m8eGdmoA0Cz02Oe8O_3zbkjcO8WLLACLcB/s1600/20170409_0021%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BFirst%2BArrival.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfRr3p87pg8/WPgQlef05PI/AAAAAAAAHDA/Pb6m8eGdmoA0Cz02Oe8O_3zbkjcO8WLLACLcB/s400/20170409_0021%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BFirst%2BArrival.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'First Arrival'</center><br> <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fv9nc7vxO40/WPgc91iJptI/AAAAAAAAHDc/j_nSrFEnzSYMcLaZbF1lxtCYDuKz3HRRwCLcB/s1600/20170413_0059%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BHillary.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fv9nc7vxO40/WPgc91iJptI/AAAAAAAAHDc/j_nSrFEnzSYMcLaZbF1lxtCYDuKz3HRRwCLcB/s400/20170413_0059%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BHillary.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Hillary'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DAddyY41F4/WPgQn8gqnWI/AAAAAAAAHDE/Bli_R5MMfQsOVLXJRm46x-X-LDP8BjnXQCLcB/s1600/20170413_0040%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BAmethyst.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DAddyY41F4/WPgQn8gqnWI/AAAAAAAAHDE/Bli_R5MMfQsOVLXJRm46x-X-LDP8BjnXQCLcB/s400/20170413_0040%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BSonoma%2BAmethyst.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Sonoma Amethyst'</center><br> <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cXEvkQr9wiE/WPgQoNfN6hI/AAAAAAAAHDI/ehwcKlMWeBMhrDRGtwpWqiG_py8HZMmSQCLcB/s1600/20170413_0053%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BMorning%2BLilac.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cXEvkQr9wiE/WPgQoNfN6hI/AAAAAAAAHDI/ehwcKlMWeBMhrDRGtwpWqiG_py8HZMmSQCLcB/s400/20170413_0053%2B%2BIntersectional%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BMorning%2BLilac.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Intersectional Peony 'Morning Lilac'</center><br>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-86443989695151203482017-04-18T23:30:00.000-04:002017-04-19T21:35:18.222-04:002017 New Peony Seedling 'Pink Zebra'<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script><center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgg6wjIAeKs/WPA9DH61JBI/AAAAAAAAHBc/m-ZgjwWankI9nqieFW9hu9o3hzB0kdlLwCPcB/s1600/20170413_0141%2BNew%2BPeony%2BPink%2BZebra.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgg6wjIAeKs/WPA9DH61JBI/AAAAAAAAHBc/m-ZgjwWankI9nqieFW9hu9o3hzB0kdlLwCPcB/s400/20170413_0141%2BNew%2BPeony%2BPink%2BZebra.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Pink Zebra'</center><br>Wow! What a surprise to find this interesting animal in my peony bed this week. This peony had quite an interesting pattern on it with light and dark pink stripes that extend all the way down the petal. I don't think I've seen anything quite like it. It kind of reminds me of a pink zebra! So for now, I have nicknamed it Peony 'Pink Zebra'. I will definitely be moving this one to my peony seedling test bed to keep a closer eye on it next year. I am wondering if it will keep the stripes next year. <center><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efTp9TDv4mM/WPA9CfWYqGI/AAAAAAAAHBY/6zwzvDhcuqIwO84Tf7TYWWbBDjBEdcMXwCPcB/s1600/20170413_0150%2BNew%2BPeony%2BPink%2BZebra%2BClose%2BUp.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efTp9TDv4mM/WPA9CfWYqGI/AAAAAAAAHBY/6zwzvDhcuqIwO84Tf7TYWWbBDjBEdcMXwCPcB/s400/20170413_0150%2BNew%2BPeony%2BPink%2BZebra%2BClose%2BUp.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Pink Striped Petal Herbaceous Peony</center><br>I'm also wondering if it will be as floriferous as its mother, an unknown white peony that is the most floriferous peony I've ever grown! It was sold to me as Peony 'Seraphim', but obviously it is not. The APS Cultivar Registry for 'Seraphim' clearly states "Less tall than Chalice, with flowers not so huge. Abundant bloomer. White single. Earlier than Chalice." This peony is definitely an abundant bloomer and a white single form peony. However this plant blooms about 10 days later than 'Chalice'. Whoever it is, I hope its babies will inherit that floriferousness that fills that plant like their mother. I will be curious to see how many blooms appear on Peony 'Pink Zebra' in the next few springs! <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlm3_cPViaQ/WPA-f0hw1LI/AAAAAAAAHBg/kifimLGqZMgKra8tB6LtBborpT8VwDMLQCLcB/s1600/20140507%2B013%2BUnknown%2BWhite%2BFloriferous%2BHerbaceous%2BPeony.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlm3_cPViaQ/WPA-f0hw1LI/AAAAAAAAHBg/kifimLGqZMgKra8tB6LtBborpT8VwDMLQCLcB/s400/20140507%2B013%2BUnknown%2BWhite%2BFloriferous%2BHerbaceous%2BPeony.jpg" width="400" height="265" /></a><br>Unknown White Floriferous Peony<br>Peony 'Pink Zebra''s Mother</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-32835209886994149892017-04-17T22:16:00.000-04:002017-04-17T22:30:26.017-04:002017 Peony 'Lustrous' Best Performer - Week 2<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I have loved this peony, Peony 'Lustrous', for years now. It is just so hard to get a photo of the plant with several blooms on it all at once! The buds usually open over a period of time instead of all at one time. So you don't get a plant full of blooms effect with this peony variety. However the upside of that is that you get to enjoy them bloom by bloom over a period of time. As you can see two of the flowers have already opened and faded in this photo, several are open, and there are 6 big fat buds on it still waiting to open! Peony 'Lustrous' was hybridized by A. P. Saunders and registered in 1942. It is one of the standout peonies in my Saunders peony garden. It is beautiful for it rare, true red coloring, its early season, and its very full, semi-double flowers when most other herbaceous peonies opening at this time are single petaled blooms. If you haven't yet added Peony 'Lustrous' to your early blooming peony collection, now's the time, so you too can enjoy these luscious red peony blooms! <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIKbu41Fjo/WPVx6UoiTEI/AAAAAAAAHCc/L2zN5zgyT_YojkPUaV8vKijbzz51CrxUQCLcB/s1600/20170408_0056%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BWeek%2B2%2BPeony%2BLustrous%2BBloom.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIKbu41Fjo/WPVx6UoiTEI/AAAAAAAAHCc/L2zN5zgyT_YojkPUaV8vKijbzz51CrxUQCLcB/s400/20170408_0056%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BWeek%2B2%2BPeony%2BLustrous%2BBloom.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Lustrous'<br><a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performer</a></center><br><center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMF71kINb6A/WPVx7a35pBI/AAAAAAAAHCg/DbgU4-Sq5yI1qGe-NZ-ROsve2pXL1X8XwCLcB/s1600/20170413_0088%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BWeek%2B2%2BPeony%2BLustrous%2BBush.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMF71kINb6A/WPVx7a35pBI/AAAAAAAAHCg/DbgU4-Sq5yI1qGe-NZ-ROsve2pXL1X8XwCLcB/s400/20170413_0088%2BSouthern%2BPeony%2BBest%2BPerformer%2BWeek%2B2%2BPeony%2BLustrous%2BBush.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Lustrous'<br><a href="http://www.southernpeony.com/p/southern-peony-best-performers.html">Southern Peony Best Performer</a></center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-79341783263859445302017-04-16T23:32:00.000-04:002017-04-17T08:36:55.616-04:002017 Peony Blooms Week 2 Early<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>It was another very colorful week this week for peonies. The early blooms are popping up, but the bushes are in need of some rain. We started the year short of rain in February, but we had a pretty good March. However April is shaping up to be much drier. I hope we get some rain soon! The peonies really need the moisture to keep up with their impressive stem and bud growth at this stage. If they get too dry, both stem and bud growth will be limited. Come on rain! I guess the good thing about not having much rain during this foliage growth period is a decided lack of botrytis blight - which is okay with me! :-) <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDJQq83eVqU/WPS1D8An-ZI/AAAAAAAAHB8/N2s_LA9tNLs9ZF9iTJmhbE70GofCS0UYACLcB/s1600/20170408_0076%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BRaspberry%2BCharm.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDJQq83eVqU/WPS1D8An-ZI/AAAAAAAAHB8/N2s_LA9tNLs9ZF9iTJmhbE70GofCS0UYACLcB/s400/20170408_0076%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BRaspberry%2BCharm.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Raspberry Charm'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifypSTZFcOA/WPS1DP48wKI/AAAAAAAAHB4/zjiFA_AutZcrxJAoExTupAf33Ysumm90wCLcB/s1600/20170408_0100%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2B%2BPeony%2BRoy%2BPehrson%2527s%2BBest%2BYellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifypSTZFcOA/WPS1DP48wKI/AAAAAAAAHB4/zjiFA_AutZcrxJAoExTupAf33Ysumm90wCLcB/s400/20170408_0100%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2B%2BPeony%2BRoy%2BPehrson%2527s%2BBest%2BYellow.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Roy Pehrson's Best Yellow'</center><br> <center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZzF5rgqbIc/WPS1EHeHDGI/AAAAAAAAHCA/ZvVm4_0gxgc5iko8NG18r8J2bVuRvMg_ACLcB/s1600/20170409_0027%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2B%2BPeony%2BCoral%2BFay.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZzF5rgqbIc/WPS1EHeHDGI/AAAAAAAAHCA/ZvVm4_0gxgc5iko8NG18r8J2bVuRvMg_ACLcB/s400/20170409_0027%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2B%2BPeony%2BCoral%2BFay.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Coral Fay'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CK4NFxMrlzU/WPS1Mya7QII/AAAAAAAAHCE/WWTY0NzZlBcDeHrIjdUuY6B7tOpZiZjNgCLcB/s1600/20170409_0046%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2B%2BPeony%2BSkylark.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CK4NFxMrlzU/WPS1Mya7QII/AAAAAAAAHCE/WWTY0NzZlBcDeHrIjdUuY6B7tOpZiZjNgCLcB/s400/20170409_0046%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2B%2BPeony%2BSkylark.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Skylark'</center><br> <center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ6sX5t8VjE/WPS1OAvSA_I/AAAAAAAAHCI/qvUPuaQFl4U7I3bBEHV4LJngCjf93jgqACLcB/s1600/20170410_0295%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BLavender.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ6sX5t8VjE/WPS1OAvSA_I/AAAAAAAAHCI/qvUPuaQFl4U7I3bBEHV4LJngCjf93jgqACLcB/s400/20170410_0295%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BLavender.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Lavender'</center><br> <center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSEgAOHyBkI/WPS1OPoEh8I/AAAAAAAAHCM/sxyoQNi6Qq84xnLeW-cKwnbmdWCQ5hDWQCLcB/s1600/20170413_0130%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BGrace%2BRoot.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSEgAOHyBkI/WPS1OPoEh8I/AAAAAAAAHCM/sxyoQNi6Qq84xnLeW-cKwnbmdWCQ5hDWQCLcB/s400/20170413_0130%2B%2BPeony%2BBlooms%2BWeek%2B2%2BEarly%2BPeony%2BGrace%2BRoot.JPG" width="400" height="267" /></a><br>Peony 'Grace Root'</center>Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218647513521394317.post-71857001579024885962017-04-15T22:50:00.000-04:002017-04-15T22:50:05.135-04:002017 Questions - Peony 'Old Faithful' Slow to Increase<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-33126762-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script>I received this question from Pauline in zone 5b: <br><br>"I have a quick question for you regarding Old Faithful, which you seem to grow. What is your increase of stems year over year? <br><br>"I planted Old Faithful in fall 2015, along with 14 other varieties of peonies. (Long story short: I've been apartment living in cities for many years and finally moved out to a house. I've always loved peonies and went a little crazy when I could finally grow them!) The first year Old Faithful had two stems and two flowers. This year there seems to be only three large "buds" emerging. I've looked all over and no one mentions that Old Faithful is slow to increase. It is mentioned regarding other cultivators (I.e. Henry Bockstoce). Old Faithful is in a raised bed of amended soil, spaced 3 feet from other peonies, and the other peonies have at least doubled stems year over year." <br><br>"I only ask as we are planning to move and I would like to divide and take the plants to our new home. I am hoping Old Faithful has enough eyes to divide. Thanks for your time on this!" <br><br><center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs2y42FSyqY/WPA4CIngEmI/AAAAAAAAHBE/CG0GjLMqtmo_fvkAPE9BLHFBNag05QPjgCLcB/s1600/20170412_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs2y42FSyqY/WPA4CIngEmI/AAAAAAAAHBE/CG0GjLMqtmo_fvkAPE9BLHFBNag05QPjgCLcB/s640/20170412_0229.JPG" width="427" height="640" /></a><br>Peony 'Old Faithful' in 2017 with 2 Stems</center><br>I must say that I am quite disappointed with this peony plant right now, actually. The increase was great at first, but now it seems to be struggling. Also this plant is in one of my best beds in the yard. It has good access to sun, moisture, and is free from competition. I have grown this Peony 'Old Faithful' since 2008. The stem increase seemed to be good at first, 1 stem (2009), 3 stems (2010), 7 stems (2011), 9 stems (2012), and then it has been steadily declining ever since. I have tried giving it good compost and organic fertilizer since it has started declining, but it has not helped. The next year it went down to 7 stems (2013), 7 stems (2014), 5 stems (2015), and 3 stems (2016). This year it only has 2 stems (2017) on it. Sometimes it may pop up a late stem, but so far, there are only 2 stems on it this year. So I really can't say if your peony will be large enough to divide. If you want to keep it, you may need to just dig the whole thing up and take it with you. This plant has very thick, large stems and a great habit - which make it seem like it should be a great garden plant, but its recent steady decline has really disapointed me. :-(Adrianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00562979165630642210noreply@blogger.com0